Walk into any pharmacy and you will see several posters and pamphlets on stuff you should take to boost your immune system. But is it possible to do this?

Your immune system is a very complex thing. It has many different components, all of which are aimed at protecting your body against invading pathogens (micro-organisms generally known as germs) which cause disease in the host, namely you.

These micro-organisms can be bacteria, viruses or fungi to name the most widespread three.

There are also good bacteria, such as those in your digestive system, without which you wouldn’t be alive. But many bacteria have no such honourable intentions concerning you. In short, your body is at war all the time. You sneeze – that’s an immune response. A mosquito bites you and you start itching – that’s an immune response. You have diarrhoea – that could be an immune response.A quick look at how different parts of your body protects your from pathogensThese are the ones you should individually protect against invading pathogens. By doing so you strengthen the entire body.

Is it that simple?

The exact workings of the immune system are still a bit of mystery, according to a report from Harvard Health Publications. It’s an amazing system, but exactly how it works is still the subject of much worldwide research.

And precisely because there are so many different types of cells in your immune system, fighting off so many different pathogens, it is difficult to decide exactly which part of the system needs boosting, if any, say the Harvard researchers.

And conclusive evidence on the immune-boosting capabilities of any specific supplement is still very much a future dream.

Don't overstimulate your immune system

Experts say that an overactive immune system can be responsible for many diseases, such as rheumatoid arthritis, or allergic reactions. Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease in which your immune system mistakenly attacks your own body’s tissues, mainly in the joints of the hands or the feet.

When you have an allergy (such as asthma or eczema), it means your immune system is wrongly identifying a substance as a dangerous invading pathogen. These are not responses you want to encourage.

All systems in your body, from your digestive system to your immune system to your blood circulation obviously will function more effectively if you lead a healthy lifestyle.

But is there any magic substance in particular that you should be taking? Not according to the researchers.

Your body needs a variety of vitamins and minerals, exercise, decent rest and hygienic living in order to help your immune system fight the good fight against invading pathogens. No single product or action can protect you completely.

Of course there are certain things that will predispose you to illness and infections.

Things that compromise your immunity

If you smoke or drink heavily, are constantly under a huge amount of stress, or never get any exercise, or eat an unhealthy diet, obviously you will be putting all systems in your body under unnecessary stress – not just your immune system.

Nothing will be able to function optimally, and of course you will become more susceptible to opportunistic infections.

It will be a bit like a car that is never taken for a service, or has the wrong petrol put into it. It will go for a while, and then shudder to a halt.

Other factors that also influence immune response

These include your medical history, immune system disorders, your genetic makeup, and your age. It is thought that immune response does weaken with age – but then, so do many other systems in the body.

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The information on Health24 is for educational purposes only, and is not intended as medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. If you are experiencing symptoms or need health advice, please consult a healthcare professional. See additional information.